Raad Na (ราดหน้า)
A Silky and Savory Thai Noodle Dish
Raad Na (ราดหน้า) is a beloved Thai street food dish that combines soft noodles with a rich, flavorful gravy. Comforting and satisfying, it’s a popular choice for locals and travelers alike, often enjoyed as a quick, hearty meal at roadside restaurants (Raan Rim Tang – ร้านริมทาง) and made-to-order eateries (Raan Tam Sung – ร้านตามสั่ง).
What is Raad Na?
At its core, Raad Na consists of:
- Noodles: Wide, flat rice noodles (Sen Yai – เส้นใหญ่) are stir-fried until slightly charred, giving them a smoky flavor.
- Protein: Common options include pork (Moo – หมู) or seafood (Talay – ทะเล).
- Vegetables: Chinese kale (Pak Kana – ผักคะน้า) is a signature addition, adding freshness and crunch.
- Gravy: A thick, savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce and stock, thickened with tapioca or cornstarch, and infused with garlic and white pepper.
The dish is served hot, with the glossy gravy poured generously over the noodles, coating every bite in its silky richness.
Why You’ll Love Raad Na
- Silky and Satisfying: The rich, smooth gravy is the heart of this dish, adding depth and umami to the noodles and toppings.
- Smoky Noodles: The slightly charred noodles bring a unique smoky aroma, known as “wok hei” or “breath of the wok.”
- Customizable: From proteins to spice levels, Raad Na can be tailored to your preferences.
Tips for Enjoying Raad Na
- Use Condiments: Enhance the flavors with chili vinegar (Prik Nam Som – พริกน้ำส้ม) for tanginess, sugar for sweetness, or chili flakes for heat.
- Mix Well: Stir the gravy and noodles thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated in the rich sauce.
- Pair with a Drink: A Thai iced tea (Cha Yen – ชาเย็น) complements the dish perfectly.
Where to Find Raad Na
Raad Na is widely available at a specific Raad Na stalls, and some of Raan Tam Sung or Raan Rim Tang. Look for stalls with woks sizzling over high flames and large containers of noodles and vegetables on display.
How to Order Raad Na
Ordering Raad Na is easy, even if you’re new to Thai cuisine.
1. Choose Your Protein:“Raad Na Moo” (ราดหน้าหมู) – “Raad Na with pork.”
“Raad Na Talay” (ราดหน้าทะเล) – “Raad Na with seafood.”
2. Pick Your Noodles:
“Sen Yai” (ใส่เส้นใหญ่) – Wide rice noodles (default and most popular).
“Sen Mee” (ใส่เส้นหมี่) – Vermicelli noodles for a lighter option.
“Mee Grob” (หมี่กรอบ) – Crispy Egg noodles for a twist crunchy.
3. For Takeaway:
“Sai Toong” (ใส่ถุง) – Put in bag, means take away
Order Phrases
"Ao Raad Na Moo Sen Yai krub/ka" (เอาราดหน้าหมูเส้นใหญ่) - Raad Na, wide rice noodles with pork